The sights and sounds of the holidays were joined by an unusual scene on Park Central Square this week.

Around lunchtime Monday, police were alerted that a man was on top of the three-story building which houses The Coffee Ethic. As many now know, the situation lasted for more than 15 hours before the man was successfully brought down and taken to the hospital.

Throughout the day, Christmas music played as the man walked around and occasionally shouted from the roof. It was an odd juxtaposition, but it served to remind us of a few things.

For one, the holidays can be a difficult time for many. Mental health experts continually remind us that the social interactions and reminders of family that many of us enjoy are conversely stressing to others. If you're feeling suicidal, the suicide hotline is always available at 1-800-273-8255.

But just days before Thanksgiving, it reminded us that we have a lot to be thankful for in this community.

Police worked calmly and patiently for hours negotiating with the man, resorting to a Taser after 15 hours. Firefighters offered a ladder truck if the man wanted a way down. Emergency medical staff were also on scene throughout in case they were needed. We’re thankful we have compassionate police officers, firefighters and health workers who are dedicated to keeping us safe.

We don’t know yet exactly why the man was on the roof, but his actions throughout the day indicated he was troubled in some way. We’re thankful we have a community that’s striving to find answers to our mental health and substance abuse struggles, and understand the way those issues are intertwined with everything else.

While we greatly appreciate the service of those paid to improve our community and keep it safe, the most reaffirming moment of the day came late in the day, as regular citizens gathered on the ground to hoist encouraging signs and sing words of support.

It didn’t appear anyone who gathered knew the man. Most likely, they were there because they saw a neighbor who needed help. They didn’t know why he was on the roof, or what issues he may have been dealing with. They simply sensed he was in trouble and decided to offer whatever support they could.

More than anything, we’re thankful to live in a community with so many caring people, those that arrive without any agenda other than to help.

Those kind of people are in our community every day, lending a hand in many different ways, usually without the attention of news cameras.

The day the man stayed on top of The Coffee Ethic is a reminder. It reminds us that we still have challenges in this community. And it reminds us that we have the capacity and desire to help. It’s certainly something to be thankful for.

This editorial first appeared in the Springfield News-Leader Editorial Board and reflects the views of the News-Leader editorial board.

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